If you are a novice driver, then you hold one of six driver’s licences: G1, G2, M1, M2, M2-L or M2-M licence.
While you are a novice driver the rules of the road are still the same, but they apply to a novice driver differently than a fully licensed driver. This means, some offences carry more severe consequences.
Some of these are:
Blood Alcohol Concentration: A novice driver who is caught with any amount of alcohol in his/her blood will receive an immediate roadside driver licence suspension. If convicted, he/she could receive a fine of up to $500 and a longer licence suspension.
Highway Traffic Act Violations: When any driver is charged with an HTA offence, there are penalties. For novice drivers, a licence suspension can happen with any offence that results in four or more demerit points. These include:
- Following too closely
- Exceeding the speed limit by 30km/hr or more
- Careless driving
- Racing
- Failing to remain at the scene of an accident
- Failing to stop when signaled by a police officer
- Failing to stop for a school bus
Novice drivers also have to deal escalating penalties. This means that after every time a novice driver is charged with the same or similar offence, the consequences are heftier with each offence.
These penalties go like this:
First offence: driver’s licence is suspended for 30 days.
Second offence: driver’s licence is suspended for 90 days.
Third offence: The driver loses his/her novice licence. He/she will need to start over and re-apply for a licence, taking all tests over again, and paying all the same fees.
Every situation is different. Remember you have the right to fight your ticket. At Bulwark Legal Services we provide free consultations. You can go to our website and send us a copy of your ticket. We will help you decide the right course of action to take.
